OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 10, 12 January 1940, Page 9

OBITUARY.

MR. JAMES M7KUTAI. A noted Maori interpreter and authority on native lore, Mr. James liukutai, has died suddenly at the residence of his daughter in Onahunga. A member of the Kingite family, Ngatihikairo tribe, Mr. Rukutai was born at Kawhia and educated at St. Stephen's College. After following the occupation of miner at Waihi, he came to Auckland and established himself as a native interpreter, particularly'in the Supreme Court. For about 25 years he worked in this capacity. He also advised a wide circle of his people in legal matters. He was chairman of the Akarana Maori Association, and took an active part in the work of the Licensed Interpreters' Association, while his wide knowledge of the Maori language, customs and lore was well-known.

A keen supporter of League football, he was a member of one of the representative teams which visited Australia. He also assisted in the administration of the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association and of the Campbell Park Tennis Club. Hie wife died a few years ago. MR. R. B. VERCOE. Well known among members of the mining industry, Mr. Richard Barrett Vercoe, has died IH Auckland at the age of 79. As a young man, Mr. Vercoe arrived in the Dominion, and for many years was associated with the mining industry. He was employed at Thames and Waihi, in the metallurgical plants, retiring and coming to live at Auckland several years ago. For a time he was in cimrge of the School of Mines Battery at 1 names and he was also associated with i)r. Schidel, an eminent metallurgist. in the early application of the cyanide process at Thames. In his younger days he was a keen rifle shot, and throughout the greater part of his life took an active interest in bowling, representing the goldfields in matches throughout the Auckland district. He is survived by uis widow and 'our daughters.